'Significant delays' on M5 after body found on motorway, police warn

30 October 2019, 06:59

Parts of the M5 are closed
Parts of the M5 are closed. Picture: Google Maps
EJ Ward

By EJ Ward

Police in Gloucestershire have warned of "significant delays" on the M5 after a dead body was found on the motorway.

Police said a 10 mile stretch of the M5 is closed both ways between junctions 11A at Brockworth and junction 12 for Quedgeley due to the incident.

Officers warned they will be at the scene for "some hours" while they recover the body and establish circumstances.

Drivers are being advised to use the A417 and A38 to head south and the A38, A430 and A40 to travel north.

The closure is likely to cause extensive traffic disruption as motorists seek alternative routes to reach the Midlands and the South West.

A Gloucestershire Police spokesperson said: "The incident was reported shortly before 4.10am today (Wednesday 30 October).

"Officers attended the scene, on the southbound carriageway around a mile north of Gloucester Services, and have closed both sides of the motorway while the body is recovered and a serious investigation takes place.

"Diversions have been put in place but significant disruption is expected this morning and is likely to last for a number of hours while police continues its work at the scene and establish the circumstances."